The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

*

Simone asked, "But what if she's better than you?"

Aurora smiled, a glint of challenge in her eyes. "Well, if we never compete, how would we ever know?"noveldrama

Simone couldn't help but glance in Stella's direction.

Aurora was never one to feign modesty or exaggerate another's abilities just to appear humble. If she was willing to make such a comparison, it meant Stella's skill wasn't far off from hers at all.

"Stella's mother was a renowned violinist," Simone added thoughtfully. "It's no wonder Stella's so talented-she's got the pedigree."

At the mention of Stella's mother, Aurora's smile faded a little.

Her father and three older brothers had always kept the truth about her mother's death from her. But a few years ago, her uncle had found her and given her a letter that her mother had left behind.

The memory made Aurora's throat tighten, her chest heavy with longing. She had never met her mother, yet she knew her mother had given up so much for her.

Her mother had traded her very life for Aurora's future.

She couldn't let her down. She wouldn't.

Across the room, Rachel's eyes went wide as she watched Joshua fussing over Stella-pouring her tea, making sure she was comfortable, speaking to her with quiet concern.

She rubbed her eyes, certain she was seeing things.

Was that really Joshua? The same man who was infamous for his wild temper and hair-trigger threats?

No one else seemed to notice Rachel's astonishment; Haynes and Foreman were both distracted, their attention fixed firmly on the same scene.

Haynes pressed his lips into a thin line, a cold aura radiating off him.

Foreman's hands curled into fists at his sides, a shadow flickering in his eyes.

If he wanted to get rid of Joshua, it wouldn't be difficult. The trick would be doing it without anyone suspecting him.

He glanced sideways at Haynes, something sly crossing his face as the

beginnings of a plan formed in his mind.

*

Just moments earlier, the sky had

been bright and clear. But in the blink of an eye, dark clouds rolled in, and the rain began to pour-heavy, relentless, drumming against the windows.

Everyone hurried to the lounge area for shelter.

Stella was already there, seated quietly, lost in her thoughts. Of all the people who came today, there were only two she didn't mind

seeing Keen and Foreman Set

greeted Keen earlier, then slipped away to rest.

Now, as the others filed in, Stella scanned the crowd, her brow furrowing when she didn't spot Keen anywhere.

She strode over to Haynes. "Haynes, where's Keen?"

Even though Haynes had cleared his schedule for the day, work still hounded him -his phone hadn't stopped ringing. He ended a call just as Stella approached.

Turning, he realized Keen was missing, and his expression shifted.

He looked to Rachel. "Where's Keen?"

Rachel looked bewildered. "I have no idea. I haven't seen him."

Stella bit back her anger. "Haynes, Keen is your son. Don't you think you

the one watching him,

instead of dumping the

responsibility on someone else?"

Her face was expressionless as she strode towards the door. "Honestly, I should

have known better than to trust you with him."

Outside, the rain hammered down even harder. Keen was frail-getting caught in the rain could mean a fever, or worse.

Stella grabbed the nearest umbrella and made for the door, ready to go search for him herself.

Haynes caught her arm before she could step out.

She met his gaze, her eyes icy and unyielding. "What are you doing?"

Haynes swallowed hard. "Stay here I'll go look for him."

Stella scoffed. "And why should I believe you?"

She shook off his hand and strode out into the rain.

With a frustrated sigh, Haynes snatched up another umbrella and followed her outside.

Just as Stella stepped into the storm, two figures came running toward her-a tall one and a small one, both drenched.

Her heart leapt as she recognized them-it was Keen, with Joshua at his side.